Bureau of Indian Affairs Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland recently met with tribal leaders in Chaco Canyon during his visit to New Mexico, where he discussed various aspects of land conservation and economic development.
“As part of the Department’s commitment to meaningful engagement with Tribal communities, I’m grateful to have heard directly from Tribal leaders, students and community members about the importance of land conservation and economic development across New Mexico,” Bureau of Indian Affairs Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland said.
He attended the Bureau of Indian Education Laguna Pueblo site reopening and presented a set of preservation efforts to the All Pueblo Governor’s Association and Chaco Tribal Heritage Association. The highlighted measures include approving the various uses of the Chaco Canyonland with Navajo Nation tribe leaders, the DOI reported. With funds allocated to the department by the Biden Administration’s FY22 budget, Newland also proposed the continued ban on new oil and gas leasing establishments in the Chaco Culture National Historical Park area.
According to the DOI, the secretary also revealed a few details about Laguna Elementary BIE school’s reopening after months of being shut down amid the pandemic. The expressed “appreciated the opportunity to help open a new elementary school at Laguna Pueblo and visit the Chaco Canyon region to see first-hand the incredible land and cultural heritage the Biden-Harris administration is working to protect.”
Newland also toured the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, where students and faculty were informed about the Department’s mission to expand education opportunities for the tribes. Tribes in the region are currently conducting a cultural resource study to further develop the initiative.
In addition to the stakeholder’s meeting and the school’s reopening, the secretary attended a listening session hosted by the Pueblo of Isleta to brainstorm potential solutions for droughts and the water infrastructure in surrounding communities.
